The Federal Government on Friday ordered the immediate closure of 41 Unity Colleges across the country following a resurgence of student abductions in parts of Nigeria.

The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister of Education. The ministry said the decision became necessary to forestall “any possible breach of security” in the affected schools.

Principals of all schools listed in the circular have been instructed to enforce the closure without delay.

The affected institutions include: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, and FGGC Potiskum.

Others ordered to shut down are: FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.

A review of the list indicates that most of the affected schools are located in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions, where attacks on educational institutions have intensified in recent weeks.

Only a few days ago, gunmen abducted several students from a school in Kebbi State. On Friday morning, dozens more were reportedly taken during another attack on a school in Niger State, heightening fears among parents and authorities.